Though it's waiting until midseason to launch several of its new shows, Fox once again plans on getting a jump on the competition by premiering most of its schedule before the fall 2009-2010 season technically begins.

The network will feature four nights of new episodes, mostly of returning shows, between Sept. 12 and 18 -- a week before Nielsen officially begins tracking ratings on Sept. 21.

First to debut will be unscripted Saturday shows “Cops” and “America’s Most Wanted,” on Sept. 12, followed on Sept. 16 by the season premiere of “So You Think You Can Dance” and the series debut of the musical “Glee," at 8 and 9 respectively.

The network's Thursday lineup premieres Sept. 17 with two returning shows -- “Bones” and “Fringe” -- airing at 8 and 9. Then, on Sept. 18, new comedy “Brothers” debuts at 8, followed by returning shows “’Til Death” at 8:30 and “Dollhouse” at 9.

 

New dramas "Human Target" and "Past Life" and new comedy "Sons of Tucson" all will debut in early 2010. The network's new weekly late-night "Wanda Sykes Show" will debut on Nov. 7.

"House" will return on Sept. 21, with a two-hour episode; the hit show then returns to its usual one-hour, Monday night slot, leading in to “Lie to Me.”

Fox’s only other night of debuts during the official premiere week will be Sunday Sept. 27, with the return of “The Simpsons,” “Family Guy” and “American Dad,” as well as the series premiere of “The Cleveland Show” at 8:30.